moderates 1 of 2

Definition of moderatesnext
plural of moderate
as in centrists
a person who holds moderate views to the community's detriment, moderates were often shouted down at town meetings by the local hotheads

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

moderates

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of moderate

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of moderates
Noun
There’s a reason why strident partisans like Republicans Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton and progressives Tom Steyer and Katie Porter have consistently placed high in the polls, while moderates like Becerra, his frenemy Antonio Villaraigosa and San Jose mayor Matt Mahan have lagged. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026 Iran’s president and its parliament speaker posted statements on social media declaring the country has no hard-liners or moderates. Jon Gambrell, Twin Cities, 23 Apr. 2026 Trump, in a separate post on Thursday, claimed a leadership rift between moderates and hardliners was confounding Iran. Jon Gambrell, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026 The rise of Bernie Sanders’ preferred Senate candidate in Michigan is frustrating moderates, delighting progressives, and testing the sway of Democratic leaders in a race that will likely determine the party’s shot at a Senate majority. Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 22 Apr. 2026 Iran's president and its parliament speaker posted statements on social media declaring the country has no hard-liners or moderates. Arkansas Online, 22 Apr. 2026 The country is desperately waiting for Democratic moderates to take back their party. Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 16 Apr. 2026 Pragmatists and institutional moderates argue that Iran cannot endure indefinite isolation. Pegah Banihashemi, Time, 10 Apr. 2026 Flexible moderates, roughly 35% of the survey’s respondents, are a middle-of-the-road group without strong political or religious motivations. George E. Mitchell, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
So the strategic release temporarily moderates price increases. Scott L. Montgomery, The Conversation, 23 Mar. 2026 There’s a lot of science behind this practice, but to put it simply, baking in a water bath regulates and moderates the temperature of the baked good, encouraging an even bake. Josh Miller, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026 The former is processed slowly and moderates blood sugar. ABC News, 26 Feb. 2026 The Digital Services Act primarily moderates the content on online platforms to prioritize user safety, while the Digital Markets Act aims to prevent Big Tech companies from abusing their market dominance. David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 28 Dec. 2025 Their answer is a framework that moderates collective impulses while preserving the rights of individuals and minorities. Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 26 Nov. 2025 During the second panel of the Pillars of the Green Transition event on September 24, 2025, Newsweek editor Jeff Young moderates a discussion with HowGood CEO Alex Gillett, Climate Group CEO Helen Clarkson, Elopak CEO Thomas Körmendi and Arva CRO Phil Harris. Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moderates
Noun
  • The convergence of Abundance centrists and conservative environmentalists would seem to belie the ACC’s assertion that the environmental movement is dominated by radicals who would rather sabotage the American economy than accept any of the compromises necessary to achieve a prosperous future.
    Gaby Del Valle, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
  • House Democrats are facing an internal split, with centrists who are circulating an alternative plan while remaining noncommittal or opposed to their leaders’ war powers measure.
    Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 2026
  • This risk decreases as the storm moves away.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Cutting educational, recreational, arts and youth development activities not only diminishes quality of life but may also lead to juvenile delinquency, justice system involvement or dependency on government assistance.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Perpetuating ageism diminishes all of us.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Fundamental advantages remain Analysts, however, remain cautiously optimistic if the conflict subsides within weeks.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
  • As the furor over the October 7th attack and the Gaza war subsides, such gatherings have become easier to organize, several Beth El members told me.
    Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The Bears are looking for tax breaks and incentives, but all that will do the Bears no good if part of their fan support declines.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The lottery will also assign waitlist positions to the remaining students in tier 2 and below if a student declines the funding.
    Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Lawrence, though, is widely regarded as a top-five player at his position, whereas Greenard falls around 15th among edge rushers in most meaningful metrics.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The 44% theory Steve Dittmore admits that his research interest, the relationship of athletics and enrollment at small colleges, falls pretty far outside of the mainstream, even in the already-niche world of sports and higher ed.
    Mark Dent, thehustle.co, 24 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Moderates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moderates. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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